Spanberger campaign bus comes to town

Some 400 Democrats on hand at Lafayette high school to cheer the statewide Democratic ticket and boo Donald Trump.

Clockwise from top left: Attendees file into Lafayette High School, JCC Vice Chair John McGlennon, Former delegate Mike Mullins signs campaign bus, House candidate Jessica Anderson poses with state ticket (Williamsburg Watch pictures)

Gubernatorial hopeful Abigail Spanberger and her fellow Democrats brought their bus tour to Williamsburg Saturday morning, pushing for a blue revolution that would flip the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General’s offices in November.

“We’re all running to make Virginia blue again,” said Attorney General candidate Jay Jones.

Organizers said nearly 400 people signed up to attend the rally, which filled most of the cafeteria at Lafayette High School. The crowd cheered and waved campaign posters during the candidates’ speeches.

While Donald Trump is not on the ballot Nov. 4, he was repeatedly criticized by all three candidates, as was incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares, the Republican who was the first Hispanic to win statewide office in Virginia.

Lt. Governor candidate Ghazala Hashmi, who proudly described herself as an immigrant and a Muslim, attacked Trump for what she said were his divisive and non-inclusive policies.

All three candidates ticked off the list of Democratic priorities, including more money for schools, abortion rights, protecting the federal workforce and keeping Medicaid unchanged.

They said proposed changes to Medicaid legislation would leave millions unprotected; the Republicans say their bill is aimed at able-bodied men who do not work and illegal immigrants.

Spanberger told Williamsburg Watch she has heard three major themes from voters during her bus tour of the state. She said voters are concerned about the rising cost of housing, healthcare and energy and want to preserve strong public schools and state universities.

“The third thing that's the common theme is the overall …chaos (from Trump),” she added. “The division coming out of Washington, the attacks on the federal workforce, what that means for Virginia's economy, and not to mention the individuals who have faced fear of firing or firing, and the uneasy trade policy that is driving costs and prices up.”